CAROLINA TAILS FALL 2017

CAROLINA

How Charleston Animal Society is Rescuing Animals Caught in Hurricanes that Hit the South

FALL 2017 A Charleston Animal Society Publication

carolinatails.org

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Contents FALL 2017

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Welcome

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Editor-in-Chief: Dan Krosse Managing Editor: Joe Elmore Graphic Design: Heineman Design Assistant Editor: Teri Errico Griffis Writers: Dan Krosse, Teri Errico Griffis, Helen Ravenel Hammond, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Aldwin Roman, Abigail Kamleiter Photographers: Barbara J. Bergwerf, Marie Rodriguez, Jeanne Taylor, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Kay Hyman, Aldwin Roman, Abigail Kamleiter, Matt Chan Advertising Sales: Ted DeLoach

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Is Secondhand Smoke Killing Your Pet?

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Events

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Hurricane Relief: “The Evacuation Pipeline”

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Pet Detective: Reuniting Lost Animals

For inquiries regarding advertising, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails call (843) 410-2577 or ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org.

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Head of the Class: Smartest Dog Breeds

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Love for the Loggerheads When Can Your Dog Come?

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No Kill South Carolina: The 2017 Report Card

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Holiday Stocking Stuffers

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Ask a Lawyer

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Your Vet Directory

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Advertising Spotlight: Tito’s Handmade Vodka

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Take Me Home: Adoptions!

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Spiders: The Good, Bad & Ugly

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Buried with Your Pet?

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Advertiser Index

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Kids’ Corner: Time to Play!

2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849 www.CarolinaTails.org

President: Hank Greer Vice President: Helen Pratt-Thomas Secretary: Aussie Geer Treasurer: Laurel Greer Members of the Board Kiara Barnett Mary Black Hal Creel, Esq. Henry Darby Martin Deputy Andrea Ferguson Gerri Greenwood Sarah Hamlin Hastings Ellen Harley Patricia Henley David Maybank, Jr.

Robert Nigro Louise Palmer Megan Phillips Dillard Salmons Stevens Diane Straney Joe Waring, Esq. George “Pat” Waters Peter Waters Nancy Worsham Tami Zerbst

Chief Executive Officer: Joe Elmore Media & Marketing Consultant: dpk media solutions

Please contact regarding Carolina Tails distribution, advertising or suggestions. For all other inquiries, please contact Charleston Animal Society. (843) 410-2577 ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org Carolina Tails is published quarterly by Traveler Communications Group, an independent publishing company. PO Box 22677, Charleston, SC 29413 (843 352-9048). Carolina Tails is a registered trademark of Traveler Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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Cover: Naomi Coto carries Simba on her shoulders as they evacuate their home after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on August 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey was the first in a string of powerful hurricanes including Irma, Jose and Maria that brought devastation through the Caribbean to the U.S. The destruction left animal shelters across the South reeling with one of their greatest challenges ever (pg 10).

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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Welcome DEAR FRIENDS,

“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.”– Paul McCartney

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don't know of any other statement that has more relevance than Paul's...especially because these are incredibly difficult times for animal rescues across the South. Laurel and I have been involved in sheltering for decades, and never have I seen the need for people like you and me to stand up and pitch in. It is time to make a truly compassionate effort on behalf of these animals!

The combined devastation of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma have taken their toll on our friends and family in a path of destruction from the Caribbean, to Florida, to Houston. Caught in the crosshairs have been our companion animals across the South – all of them bewildered by the power of nature, wondering if they will receive a second chance at happiness in new homes.

This is where the power of YOU has stepped in and made a difference. With your support, Charleston Animal Society has deployed teams to evacuate hundreds of animals out of Florida. Many of the animals are then adopted here – and with the help of our sheltering partners in the Upstate, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and elsewhere – other animals are sent to safer locations.

(Please read more on how this “evacuation pipeline” is working in our special section beginning on page 10).

The challenge is, we are in this for the long haul. I know everyone was so grateful for the help of neighbors from around the country after Hurricane Hugo hit Charleston. The aid poured in for months. Now it’s our turn to help Florida, Texas and the Caribbean as much as we can. Our focus is on animals because it’s our mission and we know the joy pets bring to families in trying times.

If you can sponsor a pet evacuation – it isn’t too late. Please to go to www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/evacuate-an-animal and be the hero we all need.

And finally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of these disasters, believe in the power of each of us doing what we can. And then remember the words from Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up.” (We at Charleston Animal Society certainly will NOT!!)

Thank you for all that you do for our animals in crisis!

Hank Greer with his cats Rusty and Tanner.

Hank Greer President CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY

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Charleston City Firefighters assist carriage workers after the horse "Big John" fell to the pavement downtown in April.

CARRIAGE TOURS:: Reform Needed

10 REASONS NOT TO TRUST THE CARRIAGE INDUSTRY’S FALSE MESSAGING TRUTAHD BY: JOE ELMORE, CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY CEO

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AS WE APPROACH 2018, WE FIND IT important to update the community on our efforts to improve the working conditions in Charleston’s carriage horse industry, the harshest in the nation, and to ensure that the regulations governing the enterprise are followed. While our strategies and tactics to bring about humane working conditions for the animals have been straightforward, focused and honest, void of personal attacks and name calling, we cannot say the same about the carriage industry, which has engaged in dishonest efforts and vile mudslinging to fight needed reform.

3. Although the carriage industry has repeatedly claimed to voluntarily pull their horses from working when the heat is too high, time and again, the industry forces the animals to work in extreme heat.

Numerous animal and neighborhood organizations were against the recent extension of temperature readings to 4 (other cities use 1 reading) to pull the horses at 95°F; however, carriage operators continued to work the horses at 97° in August and complained to the City in July when it made them pull the horses due to extreme heat.

1. The carriage industry has hired political attack firms to organize and launch false messaging and campaigns against Charleston Animal Society and other animal organizations, along with members of the community, in an attempt to intimidate our efforts to improve working conditions for the animals, not ban them.

4. After carriage horse industry cronies were caught and charged with stealing private property advocating for humane treatment of carriage horses, they didn’t even show up in court to face their punishment. In addition, the carriage horse industry has touted the criminal acts and have not condemned the acts nor disassociated themselves from the crimes.

2. The dinosaur-costumed incident in May led to a misleading press conference orchestrated by the carriage industry to maliciously accuse folks who had nothing to do with it of a crime. In a deceptive and defamatory manner, the carriage horse industry accused Charleston Animal Society of being behind it; however, Charleston Animal Society had absolutely nothing to do with the incident and even offered a reward, if spooking the horses were intentional, leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator; which based on the police report, was an unfortunate and innocent accident – one of many incidents where the horses are spooked in their working environment.

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5. The carriage industry continues to mock Charleston Animal Society for not “visiting its barns” or “meeting with them.” In fact, Charleston Animal Society has visited barns and pastures (which is where the animals do NOT work – another façade) and has met with several carriage industry owners.

Most recently, when Charleston Animal Society invited the carriage horse operators to meet, they refused, and they won’t allow Charleston Animal Society in their barns.

In addition, when ABC organized a Town Hall meeting between the carriage horse industry and Charleston Animal Society, the carriage horse industry refused to participate.

6. When Charleston Animal Society initially investigated the carriage horse industry after receiving numerous complaints from citizens, tourists and former carriage industry employees, it discovered that major provisions of the decade-old law, which Charleston Animal Society helped to create in the aftermath of a carriage industry whistleblower’s claims of mistreatment, negligence and abuse, were not being followed nor enforced. While the City has made improvement in oversight, major provisions of the decade-old law are still NOT followed.

7. Not only does the carriage industry ignore the City’s regulations, it ignores state and federal OSHA laws requiring it to report workplace injuries, which have occurred to multiple drivers (and passengers).

8. Taxpayers are footing the bill for the City’s defense of at least one lawsuit against it following multiple injuries of passengers in carriage horse incidents.

9. While proponents of the carriage horse industry would have you believe that heat is the only risk factor and it has been adequately addressed, incident reports indicate that horses being spooked, in this unnatural urban environment, is the leading cause of incidents and most of them have occurred before summer!

10. Lastly, the false, defamatory, malicious and vile attacks on social media and elsewhere against Charleston Animal Society and upstanding members of Charleston by the carriage horse industry and its cronies, including one of its veterinarians, must stop. In poll after poll, the community has overwhelmingly disapproved of the carriage horse enterprise; however, Charleston Animal Society has never called for a ban and continues to work toward significant reform by (1) improving working conditions and (2) ensuring the law is followed.

NEWS:: You Can Use

PETS & SMOKING: THE DEADLY SECRET LURKING IN YOUR HOME Charleston Animal Society is teaming up with researchers at MUSC to help smokers kick the habit! This alliance for “Project Quit” may seem surprising, but when you consider that pets are suffering from secondhand smoke and other nicotine dangers, the teamwork is the perfect combination.

“So many people are surprised to hear the connection between the dangers of smoking and the impact it has on the health of dogs and cats,” said Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe Elmore. “Whatever we can do to get the word out and maybe motivate ONE person to stop smoking will make this project worth the effort.”

Research has shown that animals who live with smokers have an increased chance of developing cancer. Sometimes the cancer will show up as lung cancer or lymphoma.

But other times, cancer can occur orally, because animals lick nicotine off an owner’s hands or clothing!

“There is clear information that cigarette smoking affects pet health. But it’s under -

reported,” said Dr. Kevin Gray with MUSC’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Project Quit team.

Gray said the program is not about judging or blaming, because these researchers know how difficult quitting can be, “We are interested in finding any factor to keep someone resilient about quitting and pets could be that motivator for some people. We want to keep that positivity” Consider these research findings published on the Project Quit Website (www.projectquitsc.com): • Dogs that lived with smokers had a 60% greater risk of lung cancer. Long-nosed dogs, (such as collies or greyhounds), were 2x as likely to develop nasal cancer.

• Cats of smokers were 3x as likely to develop lymphoma. Oral cancers are more common due to cats’ compulsive grooming behaviors and therefore increasing the ingestion of toxic smoking residues.

PET POINTER The Pet Connection Lisa lives in North Charleston and knows how hard is it to quit smoking. She’s tried 10 times over the past 15 years. “It is an addiction. I quit, and then I find myself going back to it when I am stressed out,” she said.

The cancer connection to pets of smokers is something Lisa never heard about or even considered. She owns a beautiful yellow lab and paused to consider how her smoking may be impacting her dog.

“It is a motivator to quit,” Lisa said. “This information is a really good thing to get out to the public. It’s bad enough you’re harming yourself but you certainly don’t want to harm anyone else.”

As our phone call ended, she asked how to get in touch with Project Quit. We told her to Text SMOKE to 44332 and hopefully researchers at MUSC could help her kick the habit for good. If not for her, then at least for her beloved pet.

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Event Calendar

Lowcountry Paws & Claws Pet Expo OCTOBER 14 • 10AM – 3PM • CHARLESTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER • 5000 COLISEUM DRIVE • NORTH CHARLESTON Sponsored by the Post & Courier, don’t miss the Lowcountry’s #1 event for you and your furry family members! Door prizes and adoptable pets, plus the latest animal care exhibits.

Dogtoberfest OCTOBER 28 • 1PM – 5PM • FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE, KIAWAH Kiawah Island Community Association and Freshfields Village are teaming up to help Lowcountry animal rescue organizations with the annual Dogtoberfest Wine Tasting and Pet Expo. Dogtoberfest is sponsored by Charleston Animal Society. Halloween costumes for dogs are encouraged!

KIA Country of Charleston Bark and Boo OCTOBER 28 • 11AM – 1PM • KIA COUNTRY, 2361 SAVANNAH HIGHWAY, CHARLESTON Bark and Boo promises to be the best Halloween pet party in town. Charleston Firefighter Calendar Models will be here autographing your calendar purchases. You can also enjoy a pet costume contest and a pet-only trick-or-treat. The price of admission is a donation of dog or cat food for Charleston Animal Society’s Pet Food Bank.

Celebrity Chili Cook-off & Oyster Roast NOVEMBER 18 • 12PM – 4PM • RIVERFRONT PARK, 1001 EVERGLADES AVENUE, NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29405 Don’t miss the biggest, best chili cook-off ever at Riverfront Park in North Charleston! 5,000 animal lovers came out to support Charleston Animal Society’s medical fund – and enjoyed chili and oysters along the way! Please join us this year as a guest, a team or a sponsor — our community’s animals are depending on you. www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/chili

Share the Love Spay-Neuter Event DECEMBER 15 & 16 • 8261 RIVERS AVE • NORTH CHARLESTON Crews Subaru is teaming up with Charleston Animal Society for an exciting combo event! From 11am -2pm come by the dealership and schedule a FREE spay-neuter appointment, with a donation of a large bag of dog or cat food. Then from Noon – 5pm, go by the shelter for a free pet adoption! Come Share the Love!

Christmas Eve Pet Deliveries DECEMBER 23, 24 & 25 • CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY • 2455 REMOUNT ROAD • NORTH CHARLESTON Have your newly adopted pet delivered by elves from Charleston Animal Society and Hendrick Charleston. Just visit the shelter anytime between December 16 - 23 and pick out your new cat or dog and your bundle of love will be delivered to your home in time for Christmas!

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HURRICANE SEASON:: The Challenge Ahead

The “Evacuation Pipeline” for Pets Charleston Animal Society offers refuge to animals impacted by recent hurricanes.

BY DAN KROSSE, ALDWIN ROMAN AND ABIGAIL KAMLEITER PHOTOS: ALDWIN ROMAN, KAY HYMAN, ABIGAIL KAMLEITER, MATT CHAN As Carolina Tails goes to print (later than usual because of the busy hurricane season), Charleston Animal Society has evacuated more than 500 animals out of harm’s way in South Carolina and Florida after Hurricane Irma made her wrath felt from the Caribbean to Charleston. The combined devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey have created an unprecedented crisis for animal rescue organizations across the South. In response, Charleston Animal Society set up an “Evacuation Pipeline.” CEO Joe Elmore explains how this roadway to safety works and how YOU can get involved.

Carolina Tails (CT): Tell us how the Evacuation Pipeline works.

Joe Elmore (JE): With so many organizations helping out with Hurricane Harvey's destruction in Texas, that leaves us short of resources on the East Coast. So as HSUS and ASPCA are bringing animals up Interstate 75 [the west side of Florida], that pipeline so to speak, we're concentrating on Interstate 95 [the east side of Florida] and creating a rescue pipeline and getting the animals out of those flooded areas. We have reached out and helped Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and South Carolina.

animal was its name, so we vaccinate every animal as soon as we get it here. And then we start doing the veterinary assessments and treatment on those animals

CT: So, these homeless animals come to Charleston and then what happens?

JE: We rescue them to Charleston, and then we evacuate most of them up the East Coast to places like North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and even the Upstate.

CT: And people have also helped Charleston in the past.

JE: Yes. Exactly. The last two years where South Carolina suffered a great deal with Hurricane Matthew and then the thousand-year flood, there were a number of organizations outside of our state that came to our aid and were able to save animals by evacuating our animals. This is one way we can give back.

CT: How can people help?

JE: People can come adopt some of these animals right from us, and that helps free us up and we can bring in more evacuees. The other way to help is by sponsoring an evacuation. It is heartwarming how people have been so generous in both ways.

CT: How much do evacuations cost?

JE: There are the carriers for the animals to be safely transported.

At one evacuation, we had to leave 105 carriers with the organization.

There is the fuel and associated costs of transporting all of these animals in trailers and vans. These costs are extremely expensive.

We pay all the veterinarians and medical staff that we have treating some of these animals. Many of the animals came to us from shelters that had severe damage, and the only information we had on the 10 CAROLINA TAILS | FALL 2017

CT: Why is Charleston Animal Society taking on this challenge?

JE: How can we turn our head and not attempt to help when we know that we can? So that's why we're doing it. We have a disproportionate responsibility to help, due to our capacity to help.

CT: How proud are you of your staff and of this community?

JE: I've had so many things to be proud of regarding the response to these hurricanes. We have seen people donate to our evacuation efforts, and for that we are very thankful. There is a lot to be proud of here in Charleston County, we truly are a caring community.

We have seen hundreds of people donate to our evacuation efforts.

And for that we are very thankful. There is a lot to be proud of here in Charleston, we truly are a caring community.

To Donate: www.CharlestonAnimalSociety,org/evacuate-an-animal.

See more evacuation photos on page 34.

A chihuahua takes one last look at Charleston before evacuating to a new home in New Jersey.

Lauren Strole prepares to load a dog that was initially brought to Charleston from Daytona Beach and was now on his way to New Jersey.

Sandra Cook consoles a nervous staffie-mix before her evacuation from Charleston to New Jersey.

A nervous evacuee receives a calming pet from a Pittsburgh evacuation team that came to Charleston Animal Society.

Kristin Kifer plays with a kitten before loading her for evacuation to Charleston.

Charleston Animal Society staff worked around the clock before, during and after Hurricane Irma to evacuate animals out of harm's way.

Kittens evacuated to Charleston had no idea of the fury a hurricane like Irma could bring.

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Dispatch from the Field Up, Up and Away!

The team at Fly Charleston and Charleston Animal Society load an airplane with kittens. Destination: Greenville.

Abigail Kamleiter is the Director of No Kill South Carolina a program of Charleston Animal Society. She helped organize several of the evacuation transports of animals in and out of Charleston.

This is her dispatch from an airlift out of Mt. Pleasant, just hours before Irma hit Florida.

At 9:30 this morning the weather at the Mount Pleasant Regional Airport was bright and shiny, but the forecast was ominous, with Hurricane Irma tracking our way. Our team arrived with a van full of animals ready to jump on a plane and head to Greenville, away from the storm.

Todd, Brit, Elise and Captain Anthony at Fly Charleston were ready to bring pets to safety this morning! Captain Anthony told us, “I love to fly, but I usually fly with people! I’ve never flown with pets before.”

We loaded the plane with 16 kittens, and we put a very enthusiastic beagle in the seat next to Captain Anthony—he had a co-pilot! What would air traffic control think when they hear all that barking?

These pets were all homeless animals from Charleston and Daytona Beach, FL, now on their way to find permanent homes in Greenville. Animal shelters across South Carolina have banded together to help one another out, to get animals out of harm’s way, and Charleston Animal Society is helping to facilitate evacuations. Not only are we trying to get animals to safer areas, but we’re trying to make room so that we’ll be able to respond to animals that need rescuing after the storm.

We waved good-bye and just an hour and 45 minutes later, the staff at Greenville County Animal Care met Captain Anthony and his cargo…and the pets were off to their new lives. Oh, the stories they could tell!

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Dispatch from the Field Working the Evacuation Pipeline Aldwin Roman is Charleston Animal Society’s Director of Anti-Cruelty and Outreach.

Within days of Hurricane Irma hitting, he and his team logged more than 1,600 miles bringing to life the vision of the “Hurricane Evacuation Pipeline.” After his third trip to evacuate animals from Florida, Aldwin wrote this dispatch to share what his team’s experience was like.

Aldwin Roman loading a dog for evacuation from Gainesville, FL.

My alarm rang at 3 a.m. I wish I could say I got a full night’s sleep, but with all the rush to prepare for the trip I was full of nervous energy. We had read the reports that gas was almost impossible to come by in Florida so the day before had been a mad dash to find every gas can in Charleston in order that we could be self-reliant. We had prepped our Emergency Transport trailer earlier in the week: brand new tires, a new spare, jumper cables, tire inflator, carjack, flashlights, batteries, etc. We didn’t want to leave anything to chance or be a burden on anyone in Florida.

Our team met up at the shelter to review our route and go over contingency plans. We rolled out of Charleston at 4:30 a.m., our 30-ft transport trailer and a cargo van, both loaded with crates.

We were still 10 miles from Florida when we saw the signs: “NO RESOURCES.” There wasn’t an exit for the next 30 miles that had resources, and a state patrol car was stationed at every exit only allowing locals through. This was no man’s land and we knew it would only get worse the farther we drove.

We arrived at Alachua Humane Society in Gainesville just after 11 a.m. As we pulled into the facility, an animal control truck was offloading seven dogs transferred from a rural shelter to make room for strays. The staff at AHS told us trucks were pulling in all day, every day with more and more animals.

The flow of animals never stopped, but AHS wasn’t going to turn anyone away. Their staff had just weathered one of the strongest storms Florida has ever seen—yet they were all calm and collected with big smiles on their faces.

The staff hesitantly asked how many animals we could take. Did we have a number? No, I told them. “We will take as many as we can, we have no set number.”

We started loading cats at 1 p.m. The carriers started coming in a steady stream from the building. Every time we were asked if we could take a certain cat with a medical condition the answer was yes. We knew every single animal we could take was one less burden to their operation. This was about saving lives and Charleston Animal Society has a reputation for doing just that. We took every single available cat.

As soon as the cats were loaded we let the van start the 5-hour drive back to Charleston. My driving partner and I stayed behind to load dogs. One-by-one the dogs started coming out on leashes. Each was walked into the trailer, placed into a crate, had their ID written on the crate, their information logged on the transport manifest, and then the crate was loaded. This happened for every single dog. First one, then two, then five, then 15…30…50. We loaded every dog they had available at Alachua Humane Society.

Their operations manager asked if we could take more and I told her yes. She replied, “OK, then follow me.” We headed to the county shelter and loaded another 20 dogs. There were 71 dogs loaded on the trailer, the most we had ever fit in that trailer. Then the staff asked if we could take one more. I explained that we physically didn’t have the room and they told me, “Oh, this one doesn’t need to go in a crate.” I was confused until they brought it out. He was a tiny 3-pound mutt puppy. This little guy would get to sleep on my co-pilot’s lap the whole ride back.

We started the long journey back to Charleston and kept in constant contact the shelter to let them know how many animals we had. The staff and building needed to be ready. When we rolled in just before 11 p.m. we were greeted by an army of staff, each armed with a leash. The past week had been filled with 15-20 hour days, no sleep, and yet almost every single one of our animal care staff was there, waiting and ready to help. The same way they were loaded, the dogs were unloaded one-by-one, walked and placed into a clean cage with food and water.

I headed home and finally laid my head down on my pillow close to 1 a.m. I worked for 22 hours straight, but it was all worth is because I helped save 126 lives.

The next email came in at 9 a.m the following morning: Jacksonville needed our help. Thirty-six hours later we saved another 145 animal lives.

Time to get some rest before the next call comes in.

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LOST & FOUND:: Happy Reunions

Pet Detectives Local Pet Detectives have reunited hundreds of pets with their owners

BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

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harleston Animal Society has its very own Ace Ventura: Pet Detective! That’s right, Santanna Williams has the important job of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

The process? Like a modern-day Nancy Drew, Williams scans for digital clues on the web, Facebook, Craigslist and other social media outlets trying to find the owners of lost pets.

Take Luna for example. Luna ran off after being scared by fireworks. Her dad, Zach Borowsky, was deployed overseas and was devastated to leave with his beloved girl still missing.

Eventually, Luna was brought into the shelter by North Charleston Animal Control, but it took the sleuthing of Williams and her coworkers to piece together clues to find out who Luna belonged to.

Combing through Facebook and Craigslist, Williams zeroed in on the Borowsky family and started making calls. Jennifer Borowsky was on the other end of the line—almost three weeks after Luna had gone missing. Jennifer immediately Facetimed Luna’s dad, who exclaimed, “You’ve got Luna!” (The tearful reunion was captured and posted on Charleston Animal Society’s Facebook page.) Zach tells Carolina Tails, “I was beyond excited to see she was home.”

Gathering Clues Williams explains, “I work directly with Animal Control. When they bring in a lost animal, we put it in the system and scan the microchip.” Unfortunately, many lost animals don’t have microchips, which makes reunions that much more difficult.

There are eight key social media pages in the Charleston area that the pet detectives scour on a regular basis. One of the most popular pages Williams uses is “Lost and Found Pets Charleston SC” (@lostandfoundcharlestonsc). If your pet is lost, posting on any of these eight pages will increase your chance of finding your pet. (Find a list of all the pages and their links at www.CarolinaTails.org).

“Basically, there is an army out there helping lost pets get reunited with their owners,” Williams notes. Some of these posts and their pictures are shared hundreds of times, and these are complete strangers reposting these lost pets in an effort to reunite them with their owners.

“If my pets went missing, I would feel heartbroken. We want people to know they are not alone,” Williams says.

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The Reunions: The Best Part of the Job Robbie remembers sitting around a pool at Disney World when he got a call straight out of a fairy tale. “The lady on the other end of the phone told my wife they had my dog. I said, we don’t have a dog,” Robbie recalls. But then it struck him, four years before he’d lost his dog, Jack, but there was no way his best friend could still be alive!

When he took the phone, they described his pug mix to a tee.

Robbie said he started shaking and cried and had to hand the phone back to his wife. Within 20 minutes, the family was in in their hotel room packing up -- leaving their Disney vacation behind -- driving all the way home to North Carolina to empty their vehicle, so they could turn around and go pick up Jack at Charleston Animal Society!

A microchip in Jack is what provided the Charleston Animal Society Pet Detectives the information they needed to contact Robbie. “When he saw the girls he was excited. But when he saw his Daddy he went absolutely crazy. I started crying,” said Williams.

“Reunions are the best part of being a pet detective.”

“We Didn’t Know You Were Here.”

It may sound shocking, but many owners with lost pets fail to visit Charleston Animal Society to check and see if their pet has been turned in. “Too often, we hear, ‘We didn’t know you were here,’” Williams notes.

But her goal is to spread the word that indeed, Charleston Animal Society is taking many new steps to reunite owners with their pets. More than 1,100 pets were reunited with their families last year—that averaged to three every single day! “Seeing reunions is the best part of my job,” Williams admits. “I feel like I’ve done something good. I’ve helped a family and pet find each other.

How can it get better than that?”

5-year-old Jack spent 4 years of his life lost, and presumed dead. Until the Pet Detectives at Charleston Animal Society reunited him with his North Carolina family.

Zach Borowsky is very happy to have his co-pilot Luna back home where she belongs.

The Pet Detectives at Charleston Animal Society helped make the reunion possible.

TIPS TO KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE Williams says there are 6 easy steps to keeping your pet from getting lost: 1. Microchip them 2. Always put on your pet’s tags with their name and your current contact information 3. Don’t leave your pet unattended outside when you leave the house 4. Spay and neuter your pet 5. If lost, post detailed information immediately on social media 6. If lost, visit Charleston Animal Society

Editor’s Note: See the emotional moment when Zach Borowsky learns in a war zone that the Pet Detectives have found his dog Luna. www.CarolinaTails.org.

Since we wrote this article, Santanna Williams became one of the volunteer coordinators at Charleston Animal Society, but other pet detectives are still hard at work reuniting lost dogs.

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CANINES:: Smarty Pants

DOGG DIPLO IE MAS

6 Smartest Breeds

BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS With school underway and students hitting the books, hoping to achieve the illustrious A, we thought we’d take a roll call of which canine breeds would skip to the head of the class. Carolina Tails scoured several “Smart Dog” lists and found these breeds constantly turning up on top.

Poodle

Golden Retriever

More than just a pretty face, poodles are actually very smart.

They enjoy keeping busy, whether it’s walking or swimming, and they excel in obedience and agility training. That's what makes these competitive pups the perfect breed for shows! Best of all, they are bred in three sizes to fit every lifestyle. Oh, and they don't shed. Could they be any more perfect?

Goldens make the Top 10 list quite often—smartest, friendliest, best family pet. They are extremely social and playful, but these fantastic fetchers also constantly need a job to do. Train them to retrieve your paper, find the ball or walk the kids home from the bus. Golden Retrievers’ docile nature and natural intelligence make them ready to accept instructions and follow them.

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Border Collie

Papillion

They may be workaholics, but it’s this herding dog’s ethic that earns then straight As. Bred for their intelligence and obedience, Border Collies are tireless, agile and great with kids. Oh, and only bark when necessary. Go ahead and teach them any trick in the book.

There’s more than meets the eye under a Papillion’s silky head of hair. This breed, though considered a lap dog, will give everyone else in class a run for their money in agility and obedience. They didn’t earn a rank of No. 1 toy breed in obedience competition for nothing. Like Labs, they too are curious, as well as bright and busy, and with a name that means “butterfly,” this often intensely energetic pup is typically found flittering around.

Shetland Sheepdog

German Shepherd

Shelties can be categorized under every adjective: affectionate, alert, excitable, energetic, eager-to-please, and of course, brilliant.

Most commonly a farm dog or a family pet, the Shetland Sheepdog ranks 6th out of 132 tested by Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert on animal intelligence. They can understand commands in less than five repetitions and obeyed a command on the first try 95% of the time.

This agile, all-purpose pup encompasses the best of everyone else, but German Shepherds stand out mostly for their courage and loyalty. Like any good valedictorian, they’re driven to succeed.

And sure, you can say other dogs have a great work ethic, but German Shepherds have actual jobs—police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue, drug and bomb detection. It’s safe to say they’re brains and braun.

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CONSERVATION:: Sea Turtles Mary Pringle, projects leader of the island Turtle Team, uses a scanner on a nesting turtle found on the beach in the morning. Tags are used to ID turtles that have been in some sort of research program or some sort of Sea Turtle Hospital.

Love for the

Loggerheads

BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND PHOTOGRAPHY: BARBARA J. BERGWERF

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veryone loves turtles, but taking that adoration to the next level is a group of diehard volunteers who are members of the Island Turtle Team. Mary Pringle, project leader of the group, explains that this is one of 30 groups formed all over the coast under the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The Island Turtle Team looks out for sea turtles on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. The 170 plus volunteers range in age from children to retirees and everything in between. They are all tied together by one thing: their love for the turtles. Only eight members are authorized to do hands-on work with the turtles, says Pringle, who is in her 20th year with the group. Currently, the group is at full capacity with a waiting list to join.

The official nesting season for the turtles started May 1 and will run through October 31. Barb Bergwerf, one of the core group members, explains that she and Pringle (both Isle of Palms residents) are doing work year-round with school groups and the public, educating them as best as possible.

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Beach Patrol About 20 hours a week, the women walk the beaches from 6:00 to 8:30 in the morning and at night from 8:00 to 10:30. Bergwerf shoots photographs, answers e-mails and updates the website www.bergwerfgraphics.com. As part of their roles, both ladies record their reports to the DNR Stranding Network. They are also two of three volunteers who have access to transport the live turtles to the turtle hospital, located in the South Carolina Aquarium.

To date, loggerheads, green turtles, leatherbacks and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle nests have been recorded on South Carolina beaches. By far, the most common nesting species is the loggerhead, which can weigh up to 300 pounds.

Pringle explains that they have gotten an early start this year; all but six nests had hatched at the time of this interview on August 30, and her goal then was to make sure they safely hatched before Hurricane Irma roared ashore. So far, there have been 50 total nests; eight on Sullivan’s Island and 42 on the Isle of Palms.

“We have an 83-percent hatch rate success. We are happy that it is

The official nesting season for the turtles started May 1 and will run through October 31. so good,” explains Pringle, adding that she feels they are truly making a difference. Before the 1980s and 1990s, the hatch rate was only 10 percent.

Turtle Teachers

Excitement ensues after these large tracks are spotted by the morning beach patrol at 7th Avenue on the Isle of Palms.

Island Turtle Team members Barbara Bergwerf, Barb Gobien, Jo Durham, Tee Johannes, Mary Pringle, Linda Rumph, Mary Alice Monroe, Bev Ballow

The challenge for the duo is educating people on the sea turtles, which are endangered species. Lights shining on the beach can disorient them as they come ashore to lay their eggs and the hatchlings might travel inland towards artificial lights, where they can die from dehydration or become prey to other animals.

With tourists coming to town weekly, the rental companies educate visitors to keep the lights off from dusk until dawn. “People get excited,” she said.

Another important component is educating the public about their consumption on the beach. On the Isle of Palms there is an ordinance against using plastic bags; however, there are always straws and cigarette butts on the beach. “It can kill them because they are so bad for their digestive system,” warns Pringle.

Another problem is beachgoers digging giant holes on the beach. Not only are they a danger for people to fall into, they can also trap the turtles. The islands’ Fire and Police Departments are helpful in filling in the holes and will also help with loading the massive turtles up for rescues.

Bergwerf admits that not only is the work rewarding, but so is seeing how people react and care. “To see the look on a child’s face when he sees a hatchling feels so good. We have heard from people that it has been a life-changing experience for them. One girl decided to become a biology major.”

Bergwerf adds that years later, these children still recall what they learned: Don’t dig holes, turn out the light and remember the turtles. “We love the sea turtles, there is something charismatic about them,” says Pringle.

PROTECTING THE TURTLE Biologists urge the public to assist with sea turtle conservation by reporting all dead or injured sea turtles to 1-800-922-5431. Additionally, the following tips are useful: • Never disturb a sea turtle crawling to or from the ocean.

• Once a sea turtle has begun nesting, observe her only from a distance.

• Do not shine lights on a sea turtle or take flash photography.

• Turn out all lights visible from the beach, dusk to dawn, from Maythrough October.

• Close blinds and drapes on windows that face the beach or ocean.

• Fill in holes on the beach at the end of each day as adults and hatchlings can become trapped.

• Do not leave beach chairs, tents etc. on the beach overnight.

• Never attempt to ride a sea turtle.

From http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/pub/seascience/seaturtle.html

A Loggerhead hatchling can easily fit in a Turtle Team member's palm.

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NKSC:: Moving Forward

ING S K A M RES G PRO

NO KILL SOUTH CAROLINA

Editor’s Note: No Kill South Carolina (NKSC) is one of the boldest animal care initiatives ever undertaken in the U.S. Carolina Tails sat down with NKSC Director Abigail Kamleiter to learn how this ambitious program is moving forward, two years after it began.

CAROLINA TAILS: Carolina Tails has been following the progress of No Kill South Carolina since it began almost two years ago. Where are we today as we round the corner to 2018?

ABIGAIL: We are looking to eliminate euthanasia of healthy dogs in South Carolina by the end of next year. That doesn’t mean we're ignoring cats. We're certainly not doing that, but we think that if we can show that success, that it's a good place to start, and we’ll create some momentum in moving ahead.

The first portion of the plan was to try to assess and figure out what the status of animal welfare was in South Carolina, because we really had no idea. We believe there are about 375 animal organizations in the state, which includes 82 shelters.

We’ve been to almost all those shelters now, just to say hello and try to figure out what everybody's capacity is.

We’re very thankful that Petco Foundation has generously reinvested in us for the second stage of NKSC. In this second stage, we are trying to put some systems in place where we can actually quantify how many dogs we're talking about, how many cats we're talking about.

CAROLINA TAILS: So, by the end of 2018, the goal is to end the euthanasia of dogs?

ABIGAIL: Yes, the euthanasia of healthy dogs in South Carolina, and by that, we mean dogs that don't have any medical conditions or any behavioral conditions.

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No Kill South Carolina took the lead in an Orangeburg hoarding case in March, saving 63 cats. Here Johnny Preston, Donna Osborne and Dr. Angele Bice examine one of the cats.

CAROLINA TAILS: Do you know how close you are to accomplishing the goal of saving every healthy dog in the state?

ABIGAIL: I can’t put a percentage on it, but I will say that we had a meeting with our open admission shelters a few weeks ago. It was the first time we got the open admission shelters in the state together.

We ended up with 19 organizations that attended out of about 40. We were pleasantly surprised that we were probably a lot closer than we initially thought. Which is amazing.

It's a good thing, and we think that our goal is definitely achievable.

CAROLINA TAILS: By contrast, Charleston Animal Society saves every “healthy and treatable” dog. Is that eventually a goal for NKSC? ABIGAIL: Right, so we will be going segment, by segment. The first one would be healthy dogs. And then maybe healthy cats, and then healthy and treatable dogs, and then healthy, treatable cats. When we talk about “treatable,” we are referring to animals with health issues and behavior issues.

CAROLINA TAILS: People are sometimes confused by the term “no kill.” Can you help our readers?

ABIGAIL: Excellent question. When we say “no kill,” what we're talking about is a qualitative definition. “No kill” doesn’t mean never euthanize. There are times when that is the humane alternative. A pet is in excruciating pain and on death’s door. Or when an animal is too aggressive to safely adopt. The focus of no kill is that healthy dogs and cats, and treatable dogs and cats are saved. And that means behaviorally, mentally and physically.

CAROLINA TAILS: So, our readers all love animals, obviously, and you have more insight than anybody probably in the state right now. From what you have seen out there, when it comes to shelters, what is the biggest takeaway?

ABIGAIL: I'd say the biggest takeaway is that I'm really, really pleasantly surprised and happy that everybody is trying to work together. I mean, with very few exceptions, every time I go to a shelter and walk in, people are like, “Tell me how I can get better. Tell me how we can work together and improve.” I think with that kind of attitude, we have cleared the biggest hurdle.

The other part is resources, you know?

It costs money to save lives. It's rough, but it's true. We definitely encourage people to support their local shelter. Whether that's monetarily or with their time as a volunteer.

It's very resource intensive, to save lives.

CAROLINA TAILS: How does No Kill South Carolina support these shelters?

ABIGAIL: So, one of the biggest successes of what we've been doing, is we're really trying to build a network of organizations across the state where we can support each other, and reach out and offer assistance to each other.

Earlier this year, Orangeburg had a big cat confiscation, and a lot of organizations turned out, and they were able to save 63 cats that might have had to be euthanized otherwise.

And then also with our Hurricane Irma response, we've had organizations from all across the state and even beyond, working together to try to get animals out of harm's way. Our mission is to build a humane network of animal welfare organizations in order to optimize quality of care and maximize life-saving of healthy and treatable companion animals.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Struggling to find the perfect present for your pet this holiday season? Check out this year’s Gift Guide for some seasonal inspiration from local pet retailers.

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1. JACKSON GALAXY CAT DICE BY PETMATE These colorful toys engage your kitty in to unpredictable play.

A refreshing change from the typical rattle ball, the dice bounce around to entice your pet’s “raw cat” instincts.

All is Well, West Ashley & James Island: $5.75 2. HOLIDAY POLAR BEAR KNOTTIE BY HUGGLEHOUNDS Made super-soft with plush corduroy and super tough with a double-layer lining and extra stitching, this festive bear will keep your pup chewing all through the season.

Hairy Winston Mt. Pleasant: $25.99

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3. MOLLY MUTT DOG BED DUVET The 100% cotton duvet is a reusable dog bed cover that’s easy to use and easy to clean. Simply stuff it with old clothes, or even your old dog bed, and insert into duvet to create a comforting bed for your pup! It’s responsible and affordable.All is Well, West Ashley & James Island: $25 4. MEOWIJUANA CATNIBUS J’S Your kitty can’t help but Bogart these “J’s”, which are RAW papers stuffed with organic catnip. Just break the stick in half to sprinkle out some of the weed and watch your kitty go out of this world! Hairy Winston Mt. Pleasant: $16.99

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5. HIGH COTTON COASTERS The punnerific coaster announces just how you feel about your Dachshund! With style and purpose, this stocking stuffer is a great gift idea for wiener-lovers everywhere! All is Well, West Ashley & James Island: $3.99 6. CAITLYN STORY Caitlyn’s story shined a light on animal cruelty and sparked a national conversation. Her amazing journey to recovery is captured in the softcover book published by Charleston Animal Society. All purchases benefit Caitlyn’s Anti-Cruelty Fund.

CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/Shop: $15 7. HUGGLEHOUNDS BARN CORD KNOTTIE MOOSE This unusual looking moose is full of knots perfect for gnawing and chewing. The jumbo chew toy also features plush fabric and a squeaker to engage play. Hairy Winston: $25.99

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FLUFF & TUFF HIPPO The chew toy that can "take a licking"- this hippo is made by an American company and built to last! The chew toy is tough, machine washable, and non-toxic with a special mesh liner that makes truly it tuff! Hairy Winston: $19.99

8. SOJOS HOLIDAY FEAT TREATS FOR DOGS Dogs don’t have to skip out on the holiday feast with the turkey and cranberry flavored morsels served up in these treats. The snacks are all natural and wheat and corn free- plus, they’re baked from scratch in Minnesota! Bark N Meow Johns Island: $20.99 9. UP COUNTRY NICE & NAUGHTY COLLAR Heavy duty collars made in the U.S.A. get your pet in the spirit for all those holiday events. Perfect for Christmas, but made to last for seasons to come. Bark N Meow Johns Island: $21 10. PLANET DOG COAL BALL CHEW TOY

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This item is 100% guaranteed tough with a “Chew-o-meter” rating of 5/5. The lump of coal will be quite a treat for your naughty chewer- plus, your purchase supports canine service programs. All is Well, West Ashley & James Island: $14.99

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LAW & ORDER:: Your Pets

ASK A LAWYER

FAKING IT?

No matter how much we love our pets, there’s always the chance they will run into a legal situation.

Attorney David Aylor took time to answer questions from our readers in this edition of Ask a Lawyer. Send your questions to: CarolinaTails@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.

QUESTION: I had to leave my apartment in a hurry, after me and my roommate had a falling out. I took very little of my stuff, including my cat. When I came to get my belongings (a week later), I found everything but my cat. My roommate is refusing to tell me where she is. The police have tried to help with no success. What can I do?

--Wendy, Charleston DAVID AYLOR: Wendy, I'm so sorry that happened. If the police are unsuccessful in helping you locate your cat the only other potential option would be a civil action. First thing that I would suggest would have an attorney craft a demand letter to your former roommate. If that didn't bring any results you could go forward with a lawsuit. You would need to put together causes of action to bring against your former roommate. Obviously how far the case could actually go would depend on what evidence you brought forth or what you were able to find out during the discovery process. Good luck!

QUESTION: I have a friend who has a very cute, small dog. I don’t want to describe the dog, because I don’t want my friend to know I’m writing this. My friend basically went online and registered her dog as a “service animal” even though she doesn’t have any medical or emotional problems. She did it

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so she can take her dog into restaurants and go shopping! I’m worried my friend is breaking the law, but don’t want to say anything until I’m sure. What is your advice?

Can she be fined or sent to jail?

--Dawn, West Ashley DAVID AYLOR: Dawn, I've actually heard of people doing this in the past which is very disappointing. While I do not think she would go to jail, I definitely think she could face fines. Beyond that, she is creating a civil liability for herself as well if the dog was to injure someone while inside an establishment under the false premise of a service animal.

David Aylor with his son Fletcher and English Lab, Belle.

QUESTION: My cat took her kittens to my neighbor’s yard. Can I just go grab them, or do I need their permission to do so?

--Paul, Goose Creek DAVID AYLOR: Paul, If you have a good relationship with your neighbor and often enter and exit his property without express permission I wouldn't think you would have an issue. However, if you are not close or even on bad terms with him or her I would suggest getting their permission before stepping in their yard. Keep in mind that even though it's your neighbor it is still private property.

If you have a legal question regarding pets, write us at CarolinaTails@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org and we will try and get it answered for you.

VET DIRECTORY Charleston

West Ashley

North Charleston

Saddleback Mobile Veterinary Service (843) 718-4299 Mobile

Air Harbor Veterinary Clinic (843) 556-5252 1925 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

Animal Hospital of North Charleston (843) 352-8404 8389 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418

All Creatures Veterinary Clinic (843) 579-0030 224 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401 Patrick Veterinary Clinic (843) 722-4470 667 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston Harbor Veterinarians (843) 410-8290 280 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403 Olde Towne Veterinary Clinic (843) 723-1443 17 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401

Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital (843) 769-6784 3422 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414 West Ashley Veterinary Clinic (843) 571-7095 840 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 Animal Care Center (843) 556-9993 1662 Savannah Hwy #135, Charleston, SC 29407 Animal Medical West (843) 766-7387 704 Orleans Rd, Charleston, SC 29407 Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (843) 614-8387 3484 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414 VCA Charles Towne Animal Hospital (843) 571-4291 850 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 766-7724 2076 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407

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Lowcountry Pet Wellness Clinic (843) 556-7387 5900 Rivers Ave, Unit D-1, North Charleston, SC 29406 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 793-2161 3163 West Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29418 Dorchester Veterinary Hospital (843) 552-0259 5617 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 Coastal Carolina Veterinary Specialists (843) 747-1507 3163 W Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29418 Charleston Heights Veterinary Clinic (843) 554-4361 2124 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405 Northwoods Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-0441 8320 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406 The Animal Hospital of North Charleston (843) 608-8948 8389 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 797-4677 7620 Rivers Ave, Charleston, SC 29406

:: 2016 Chili Cook-Off

COMMUNITY

Charleston Animal Society and Carolina Tails want to always promote the best habits for animal care possible and seeing your veterinarian regularly is key to having a happy, healthy animal.

Mount Pleasant Exotic Vet Care (843) 216-8387 814 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 East Cooper Animal Hospital (843) 884-6171 993 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Island Veterinary Care (843) 628-1941 Mobile Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital (843) 884-4921 1213 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Pet Vet Animal Hospital (843) 416-9304 307 Mill St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Shuler Animal Hospital (843) 884-4494 1769 Highway 17 N, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 216-7554 985 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Advanced Animal Care of Mount Pleasant (843) 884-9838 3373 S Morgans Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

Animal Eye Care of the Lowcountry (843) 881-2242 1131 Queensborough Blvd Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Tidewater Veterinary (843) 856-7300 1964 Riviera Dr Suite G, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Animal Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant (843) 881-5858 958 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 971-7460 911 Houston Northcutt, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Cats Only Animal Hospital (843) 849-1661 1492 B North Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Long Point Animal Hospital (843) 971-7701 757 Long Point Rd, #B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Lowcountry Cat Practice (843) 884-7966 1184 Highway 41, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 Palmetto Veterinary Hospital (843) 881-9915 2443 Hwy 17 N, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 Park West Veterinary Associates Park West Veterinary Associates Simply Spay & Neuter (843) 856-9190 1054-C Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Southeast Veterinary Dermatology & Ear Clinic (843) 849-7770 1131 Queensborough Blvd Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 971-7460 (843) 388-1701 676 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Isle of Palms Sandy Cove Veterinary Clinic (843) 885-6969 1521 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

James Island Folly Road Animal Hospital (843) 762-4944 1038 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 Charleston Veterinary Care (843) 789-3222 51 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 Maybank Animal Hospital (843) 795-3131 1917 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412

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ANIMAL CARE

James Island

Goose Creek

Ohlandt Veterinary Clinic (843) 795-7574 1509 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Creekside Veterinary Clinic (843) 824-8044 431-G St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445

Sea Islands Veterinary Hospital (843) 795-6477 1310 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Mt. Holly Veterinary Clinic (843) 405-7765 113 St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445

James Island Veterinary Hospital (843)795-5295 756 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek (843) 569-3647 102 Central Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445

Central Veterinary Hospital (843) 851-2112 1215 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483

Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 406-8609 520 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Goose Creek Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-7011 501 Redbank Rd. Goose Creek, SC 29445

Shambley Equine Clinic (843) 875-5133 122 Kay Ln, Summerville, SC 29483

Hanahan

Knightsville Veterinary Clinic (843) 851-7784 478 W Butternut Rd, Summerville, SC 29483

Pet Helpers Spay and Neuter Clinic (843) 302-0556 1447 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Johns Island Angel Oak Animal Hospital (843) 559-1838 3160 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455

Best Friends Animal Clinic (843) 414-7455 1000 Tanner Ford Blvd, Hanahan, SC 29410 Hanahan Veterinary Clinic (843) 744-8927 1283 Yeamans Hall Rd, Hanahan, SC 29410

Bohicket Veterinary Clinic (843) 559-3889 3472 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455

Ladson

Johns Island Animal Hospital (843) 559-9697 1769 Main Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455

College Park Road Veterinary Clinic (843) 797-1493 186 College Park Rd, Ladson, SC 29456

Riverbank Veterinary Clinic (843) 277-2250 2814 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455

Moncks Corner

Southside Animal Hospital (843) 556-6969 3642 Savannah Hwy Suite 176 West Ashley Place, Johns Island, SC 29455 Sun Dog Cat Moon (843) 437-0063 2908 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455

Daniel Island Daniel Island Animal Hospital (843) 881-7228 291 Seven Farms Dr, Daniel Island, SC 29492 Lowcountry Home Vet (843) 406-2997 Mobile

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Lowcountry Pet Hospice and Home Euthanasia (843) 640-9755 Mobile

Summerville Sangaree Animal Hospital (843) 494-5121 1665-A N Main St, Summerville, SC 29486 Sangaree Animal Hospital at Cane Bay (843) 494-5121 1724 State Rd, Unit 5D, Summerville SC 29486 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 832-0919 470 Azalea Square Blvd, Summerville, SC 29483

Flowertown Animal Hospital (843) 875-6303 1401 Bacons Bridge Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Westbury Veterinary Clinic (843) 873-2761 1497 W 5th North St, Summerville, SC 29483

Nemasket Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-4560 605 Miles Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Oakbrook Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-2900 1705 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Sweetgrass Animal Hospital (843) 225-9663 9730 Dorchester Rd Suite 101, Summerville, SC 29485

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT:: Tito’s Gives Back

CHEERS TO TITO’S!

BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

IN ABOUT ANY BAR YOU VISIT, YOU will see a bottle of Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

It is smooth, less expensive than other high-end Vodkas, and the story behind it makes it even cooler.

Twenty years ago, Bert Butler “Tito” Beveridge II had struck out with a few careers and decided to turn his hobby of hand-making vodka into a full-blown business. The distillery was in a shack in a rural part of Austin, Texas, where dogs would run wild. Dogjo, Tito’s trusty canine companion, was with him, and the stray dogs would come and eat Dogjo’s food.

Beth Bellanti Pander, program manager for the brand, explained that rescuing became a passion for Tito, who would often encounter truck drivers, exclaiming that they were lonely and wanted a dog.

With the help of a low-cost mobile clinic nearby named Emancipet, Tito worked to get the strays spayed and neutered, and given the appropriate shots. Pander says 70 total dogs have been taken care of over the years, and one lives at the distillery.

Others have been adopted by the Tito’s

“work family” and come to work with their owners.

The partnership between Emancipet grew into what is called Vodka for Dog People, the brand’s pet cause program. According to Pander, in addition to the many other fundraising opportunities (they have thousands of non-profit partnerships!), they have been able to sell leashes, collars, dog bowls, toys, and clothing online with all of the net proceeds from the sales going directly to Emancipet.

There are seven clinics now and still going, and the mobile clinic is going to take the model nationwide. “If we go into communities with no affordable vet care, we can make it affordable, and it cuts down on homeless animals,” Pander reasons.

Giving Back Tito’s has been a key sponsor for Charleston Animal Society. Besides advertising in Carolina Tails Magazine, they are a main sponsor for the Charleston Firefighter Calendar. “Tito’s has been an amazing supporter, their involvement has helped to make the Charleston Firefighter Calendar so successful,” said Calendar Executive Producer Caroline Toepperwein.

Tito’s is also involved in another major Charleston Animal Society fundraiser. The company will have a key presence at the Chili Cook-off & Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 18.

On top of all this, Tito’s Yappy Hours benefit animal-related nonprofits all around the country.

Emergency Aid After Hurricane Irma, Tito’s responded with aid to Florida and the Caribbean, and as this issue goes to print, is planning to send support for victims of Hurricane Maria.

Additionally, Pander was in emergency animal rescue mode, responding to Hurricane Harvey. According to Pander, Tito’s put up $50,000, which the American Red Cross will match for relief efforts.

In addition to donating to the Red Cross, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is also partnering with the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) and using Tito’s trucks to deliver supplies to families in need across the affected area.

Tito’s has donated $10,000 to Austin Pets Alive! The organization is busy evacuating animals out of the Houston area. Although it is "a mad scramble," Pander said “We are seeing the best of humanity right now.”

One thing we know for sure, there will be more good work to come from this dogloving brand. Cheers to that!

For more information, visit titosvodka.com. #vodkafordogpeople

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RESCUE:: Adopt, Don’t Buy!

TAKE ME HOME

RESC U ME E

In this special edition of Take Me Home, we are sharing more pictures of animals that were evacuated to Charleston from Florida in the wake of Hurricane Irma. While many of the animals were transported to other sheltering partners in the Upstate, Virgina, New Jersey and elsewhere -- many are still available for adoption at Charleston Animal Society. Can you make room for one more?

Come see us at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston or visit: www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.

Photography: Aldwin Roman, Kay Hyman, Abigail Kamleiter and Matt Chan

A cat arriving in Charleston hoping he will soon find a forever home after everything he went through in Irma.

Conor Thompson was one of several Charleston Animal Society team members who logged more than a thousand miles evacuating animals.

Charleston Animal Society's Christine Baker says goodbye to a dog about to evacuate to New Jersey.

Teamwork is the name of the game in evacuations.

One last stretch for kittens preparing for an evacuation from Florida to Charleston.

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Volunteers like Garrett Beinbrink played key roles in the evacuation efforts at Charleston Animal Society.

Shannon Jones, a kennel technician at Charleston Animal Society waits in line to load a dog for evacuation.

HALLOWEEN:: Spiders

A SPIN B WE

NOT SO CREEPY CRAWLERS!

BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS

IN SITTING DOWN TO LEARN THE good, the bad and the ugly about South Carolina’s resident spiders, it turns out there really isn’t all that bad—and ugly is only in the eye of the beholder!

“Spiders are just fascinating and do remarkable stuff that most people aren’t aware of. When you look at them in detail they’re even more amazing,” notes Richard Bradley, Professor Emeritus at Ohio State University. And he would know, because he’s also the President of the American Arachnological Society. “Most spiders are actually what you’d consider beneficial in the sense that they are eating insects and other organisms that for the most part are potentially damaging to crops or humans.”

While Bradley understands the hysterical web people spin around spider bites, mainly

by Brown Recluses and Black Widows which are genuinely dangerous, there is, as he puts it, “a huge amount of hype and very little actual result.” For example, in his current home of Los Angeles with a population of 15 million people and probably two- to three-times that many spiders, there isn’t a single black widow bite on record in 20 years.

Where the Spiders Live If you look at the map of Brown Recluse’s native habitat, it’s nowhere near Charleston.

The closest would be a corner in extreme, western North Carolina. While we do have strays of the species here, it’s only because they’ve been accidentally trapped in boxes

The official name for a banana spider like this one spotted in West Ashley, is the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver.

Photograph: Matt Chan.

or somehow transported here. But even when they are, they typically remain in buildings and wherever those boxes are shipped—not out amongst us in our backyards or bedrooms. “Recluses are pretty small spiders with skinny legs and they are in fact brown, but they’re plain. If there’s a pattern or spines at all, it’s definitely not a Recluse,” Bradley explains.

According to Bradley, there are about 700 spider species here in South Carolina.

Some common spiders in the Lowcountry are wolf spiders, which are harmless, though hairy and terrifying looking. That and the jumping spider are both insect eaters and beneficial to our ecology. Jumping spiders are unusual in that they, well, jump and also don’t spin a web. They do have large eyes as they visually hunt prey—unlike most spiders that are tactile and hunt by vibrations. “They don’t bite, they just see a moving thing and are attracted to it, so they jump and try to explore,” Bradley says.

Another common species in South Carolina is the Black and Yellow Garden Spider, which also has no record of bites.

They too are completely harmless and eat grasshoppers.

What about those large Banana Spiders that tend to trap you in your house by building webs in your doorway? These insect eaters are simply enjoying the delicacy of insects we offer in our subtropical climate.

Don’t forget about Fishing Spiders, which you’ll find on lakes or ponds, and have a leg

span of 2-inches—which seem monstrous to the terrified. “They’re fast moving, trying to get away from you. But they’ll rear up if they feel threatened and look pretty scary,” Bradley notes, adding they have no interest in you, but prefer water and eating aquatic prey.

Other water-loving species can be found building horizontal webs over the water to trap mosquitos—and you should be thanking them rather than swatting at them.

As you encounter a crawling critter, especially this Halloween, don’t give in to the lore that spiders are villains. “Biting events occur when people accidentally threaten a spider either by brushing up against a web,” Bradley said. “They don’t go out of their way to bite people!” he adds with a laugh.

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HALLOWEEN:: The Afterlife

BEST FRIENDS IN LIFE AND DEATH

PET BUR IAL

BY ELLIE WHITCOMB PAYNE

We posed a spooky question on Facebook, just in time for Halloween. Would you want to be buried with your pet? As Carolina Tails learned, the rules of where your pets’ remains are allowed may be surprising.

Julie Koehler If anything happens to my pups, I am going to put a little bit of their ashes in each place they love - the beach, the lake, the park, and home - and save a little bit - so they can always find in heaven the places they loved to go on earth.

Stacy Cihocki I suppose I would like to be buried next to my dog. I'm not so sure about WITH him in the same casket, (unless it was with his ashes in an urn if he dies years before I do)…

Amanda Donaldson I don't think it's necessary to be buried with a pet, unless there's some extra kind of significance behind your relationship (a police officer with his K9 partner or something). Maybe it's because my parents never kept the remains of previous pets … I totally support the idea of putting their remains or ashes somewhere special … They are wonderful companions; but they are not human…

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Stephanie Player Yep. My shadow in life, should be my shadow in death. My fur family.

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ADVERTISER INDEX Please thank these advertisers for supporting and saving lives at Charleston Animal Society by advertising in the pages of Carolina Tails Magazine.

Adult Beverages Tito's Handmade Vodka Education Trident Technical College

1

41

Parks Charleston County Parks

39

Pet Boarding & Daycare Creekside Pet Retreat Paw Plaza Hotel Preppy Pet

27 15 27

Pet Cremation & Burial Services Pet Rest 41 Pet Friendly Housing Brackenbrook Apartments Cedar Bluff Apartments Chester Place Apartments Crickentree Apartments

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2 2 2 2

Darby Development Company Heron Reserve Apartments North Bluff Apartments Parish Place Apartments Riverwood Apartments Sawbranch Apartments The Grove at Oakbrook The Landing Town Homes Thickett Apartments Treehaven Apartments Windjammer Apartments Woodlocke Apartments Retail & Pet Stores All is Well (West Ashley, James Island) Bark n' Meow Finicky Filly Hairy Winston Petco (Back Cover)

2 3 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 2

15 3 8 9

Professional Services South Carolina Federal Credit Union David Aylor Law Offices

38 35

Residential & Commercial Services Molly Maid 9 Palmetto Synthetic Turf 2 Pardee Service Experts 27 Two Men And A Truck 39 Restaurants East Bay Deli Red's Icehouse The Shelter Kitchen + Bar Veterinary & Emergency Care Central Veterinary Hospital Charleston Veterinary Referral Center Oceanside Veterinary Clinic Tidewater Veterinary Veterinary Specialty Care

41 26 3

9 15 26 39 0

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TIME TO PLAY!

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Kids are some of the best animal advocates so we’ve devoted this space to young pet lovers.